Luck be a Lady-2
It was a gorgeous day. No one could deny this at all. William smiled and tilted his head slightly to absorb more sun. He was out in London, relishing in the crowds. The weather was amazing and everyone was cheerful. Mothers strolled along the expensive streets with their children in prams and younger ones walked little dogs around. Anyone with a scooter, motorcycle or convertible was out that day. But William had preferred walking along at his own pace. The city had one beat on the road, and another in the crowd. He could feel the rhythm pulsing through him as each foot hit the pavement.
It had barely been a year since Narnia was released. He was due to return to New Zealand in less than two months for Prince Caspain. He was excited to start filming again. The film company was finishing work on the script and sets, and then he, Anna, Skandar and Georgie along with a new cast would convene in New Zealand for a new adventure.
But for right now, he enjoyed being home. He was on his way to the shops for clothes. His mother had visited his flat and completely trashed everything old and worn. With only two outfits left, he had no choice but to shop. And he was to do it alone. Normally he could count on Anna but she was at a family event. And Georgie wasn’t much for helping a boy shop.
Still, William enjoyed watching all of the people pass him by. He paused at an intersection and waited to cross. The light was about to change but one of the cars barely looked like it would stop in time. He watched as it slid slightly over the crosswalk. It was a curiously blue Mini and that color intrigued him so. He was quite sure that color was not standard. It seemed if it was, Anna would have bought it. He shook his head of the thought and began crossing with the mothers, prams, dogs, and children. He heard a familiar sound.
He knew that song. The Killers, yes, he knew of them. And that addictive synthesized tune with that fast drum beat. He knew it all. He looked for the source and his eyes were drawn to the blue car, but more importantly to the girl inside. She was shaking her long, dark tresses and enjoying every minute of the song. William tried to get a look at her face but between the sunglasses and the hair, he couldn’t see anything. One more glance at the car and he saw the plates.
Tiara. The car’s identification plate was a custom one. Rare in England and well sought after. It said Tiara. William barely made it to the curb before the cars were off again. He simply shrugged and started walking again. It was obviously a very spoiled girl. But she did have decent taste in music, he would grant her that much.
Elizabeth was on a mission today. She had to find a dress for this gala. And shoes, a handbag and many other accessories. Something comfortable, something she could walk in. She pulled up at Harrods. This was one store where she could find all of her favorite brands in one place. Or at least some of them. She took her purse and left the keys with the valet.
Several hours later, Elizabeth exited the store one very satisfied customer. She had found a stunning dark red silk dress, floor length of course. It had pleats and folds to give it body. The straps were tricky. One went over her shoulder, the other on the side. Along the sides of the straps was tiny gold detailing. And the personal shopper managed to find silk, strappy shoes and a small gold clutch. The rest Elizabeth would find later. It was almost 5 pm and she was starving. Before leaving Harrods she grabbed two boxes of their chocolate covered strawberries. She had one sent home with a messenger for her father and the other was to munch on in the car.
Besides the strawberries, she had also picked up two new handbags, shoes, several blouses and trousers, and a summery dress. All of this was carried to her car for her and the whole lot filled up the backseat. She was happy. And the sun was still out. She looked at the sky and stopped walked.
“Wait, I changed my mind. Have all the packages sent home.” Elizabeth tipped the workers generously and sent them back inside. She tucked the box of strawberries into her large purse. Hopping in her car she drove back towards the River Thames. The sky was still bright and life around the river was coming to life. Live bands had set up and peddlers were selling their wares to excited tourists. Lights were coming on even though the sun was not going to set for hours.
William had bought nine large bags of clothes from various shops in London and wisely sent them home with messengers. There was no way they would fit on the tube. He got back on the train towards the Tower Bridge stop where he would change lines. However when he got there, the line was down because of a power surge. He walked out of the metro and decided to walk along the river until he found a taxi or something new to entertain himself. He wandered aimlessly for a while.
Elizabeth parked at her father’s PR office and walked the short distance to the London Eye. At first when it was built, she thought it was grossly offending to the city landscape. But now she loved it and she went on it several times a year. London never looked the same.
William realized that he was approaching the heavy tourist area. Here was the London Eye and the main loading docks for river tours. He kept walking but wished he had brought a hat. He decided his best bet was to hop on the Eye which took at least 30 minutes to come around and would give him some time alone. Or at least with 19 other people. He began walking through the crowd to get in line.
Elizabeth always carried her VIP card. It allowed her direct access to the Eye at anytime it was open and almost always ensured a private capsule for her and her guests. Today she was alone and in no hurry. So she opted to stand in line, and be a normal tourist. A small crowd got her attention near the start of the line.
William had been found. A gaggle of teenage girls, presumably American, had recognized him and he could not bear to lie to his fans. He stood patiently while they took picture after picture, hugged him, touched him and signed autographs. A few even kissed his cheeks before running away screaming. He was slightly tired but he loved his fans. He looked down at what he was signing and blushed slightly. It was a bra. He had no idea whose, or how it got off of the person to which it belonged but he quickly scribbled his name on to it. A hand grabbed it away. He took a chance and looked up at the crowd. He felt his heart drop. The small crowd had grown to at least 100. And he could see tourists coming out of line to join them. He would be here all night. His only hope was to call his security but taking out his phone in this bedlam might be disastrous.
“What is going on?” Elizabeth asked a lady near her as she approached the crowd.
“Don’t you know?” The lady smirked. “It’s William Moseley!! From Narnia! Oh my daughter loves him!” And she ran off towards the crowd. Elizabeth felt a pang of emotion. She had celebrity friends and known others from the charity. They had to be used to this stampede but she always felt sorry for them when it happened. And this one seemed close to getting out of control.
She stopped to think for a moment. Why did that name sound very familiar? Then it hit her. He had made a sizeable donation to her mother’s charity earlier that week and she was adding his name to the gala guest list. Well, that made him ever so slightly more in need of help in her eyes. She made up her mind quickly and set off determinedly into the crowd. Moving lightly she squeezed into the center where bodies were so thick she thought she would suffocate. She was behind a young man now; he was furiously signing anything that same his way. Firmly, she hooked her hand around his elbow and yanked as hard as she could. He fell back and for about 8 seconds, the fans seemed to not know what happened. This gave Elizabeth exactly 8 seconds to duck his head and run as fast as her legs could carry her to the Eye entrance. William was dazed but scared. He had no idea who this girl was and where they were going. She was running straight at the crowd and he grew terrified. She must be a nutcase. She was going to kidnap him. This was the end.
“Oi!” He wriggled his arm but her grip was amazingly firm. “Let me go you!” She whipped her head around so fast that a few of her hairs hit his face.
“Just stay quiet.” There was something in her green eyes that told him she wasn’t a fan. He relaxed his arm and she relaxed her grip on his elbow, but still held on. They had reached the entrance for the Eye. Without a word, Elizabeth held up a blue glossy card and the attendant let them through. They went quickly and hopped on a capsule alone, no other people were allowed on. “Are you alright William?” Elizabeth asked gently. She had put her bag down on the floor and appeared to be catching her breath. She had released his arm when they got on.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Thank you for getting me out of there…” He trailed off and looked at her expectantly. She looked at him blankly.
“Oh right! Sorry,” she extended a hand. “I’m Elizabeth Leslie, and I am very thankful for remembering my VIP pass.”
“Well Elizabeth, you are one lucky girl.” William smiled. The Eye was moving slowly and his breathing had returned to normal. “And thanks for rubbing your luck off on me. Though, I feel I might have gotten a bruise from it.” He rubbed his elbow, laughing.
It had barely been a year since Narnia was released. He was due to return to New Zealand in less than two months for Prince Caspain. He was excited to start filming again. The film company was finishing work on the script and sets, and then he, Anna, Skandar and Georgie along with a new cast would convene in New Zealand for a new adventure.
But for right now, he enjoyed being home. He was on his way to the shops for clothes. His mother had visited his flat and completely trashed everything old and worn. With only two outfits left, he had no choice but to shop. And he was to do it alone. Normally he could count on Anna but she was at a family event. And Georgie wasn’t much for helping a boy shop.
Still, William enjoyed watching all of the people pass him by. He paused at an intersection and waited to cross. The light was about to change but one of the cars barely looked like it would stop in time. He watched as it slid slightly over the crosswalk. It was a curiously blue Mini and that color intrigued him so. He was quite sure that color was not standard. It seemed if it was, Anna would have bought it. He shook his head of the thought and began crossing with the mothers, prams, dogs, and children. He heard a familiar sound.
He knew that song. The Killers, yes, he knew of them. And that addictive synthesized tune with that fast drum beat. He knew it all. He looked for the source and his eyes were drawn to the blue car, but more importantly to the girl inside. She was shaking her long, dark tresses and enjoying every minute of the song. William tried to get a look at her face but between the sunglasses and the hair, he couldn’t see anything. One more glance at the car and he saw the plates.
Tiara. The car’s identification plate was a custom one. Rare in England and well sought after. It said Tiara. William barely made it to the curb before the cars were off again. He simply shrugged and started walking again. It was obviously a very spoiled girl. But she did have decent taste in music, he would grant her that much.
Elizabeth was on a mission today. She had to find a dress for this gala. And shoes, a handbag and many other accessories. Something comfortable, something she could walk in. She pulled up at Harrods. This was one store where she could find all of her favorite brands in one place. Or at least some of them. She took her purse and left the keys with the valet.
Several hours later, Elizabeth exited the store one very satisfied customer. She had found a stunning dark red silk dress, floor length of course. It had pleats and folds to give it body. The straps were tricky. One went over her shoulder, the other on the side. Along the sides of the straps was tiny gold detailing. And the personal shopper managed to find silk, strappy shoes and a small gold clutch. The rest Elizabeth would find later. It was almost 5 pm and she was starving. Before leaving Harrods she grabbed two boxes of their chocolate covered strawberries. She had one sent home with a messenger for her father and the other was to munch on in the car.
Besides the strawberries, she had also picked up two new handbags, shoes, several blouses and trousers, and a summery dress. All of this was carried to her car for her and the whole lot filled up the backseat. She was happy. And the sun was still out. She looked at the sky and stopped walked.
“Wait, I changed my mind. Have all the packages sent home.” Elizabeth tipped the workers generously and sent them back inside. She tucked the box of strawberries into her large purse. Hopping in her car she drove back towards the River Thames. The sky was still bright and life around the river was coming to life. Live bands had set up and peddlers were selling their wares to excited tourists. Lights were coming on even though the sun was not going to set for hours.
William had bought nine large bags of clothes from various shops in London and wisely sent them home with messengers. There was no way they would fit on the tube. He got back on the train towards the Tower Bridge stop where he would change lines. However when he got there, the line was down because of a power surge. He walked out of the metro and decided to walk along the river until he found a taxi or something new to entertain himself. He wandered aimlessly for a while.
Elizabeth parked at her father’s PR office and walked the short distance to the London Eye. At first when it was built, she thought it was grossly offending to the city landscape. But now she loved it and she went on it several times a year. London never looked the same.
William realized that he was approaching the heavy tourist area. Here was the London Eye and the main loading docks for river tours. He kept walking but wished he had brought a hat. He decided his best bet was to hop on the Eye which took at least 30 minutes to come around and would give him some time alone. Or at least with 19 other people. He began walking through the crowd to get in line.
Elizabeth always carried her VIP card. It allowed her direct access to the Eye at anytime it was open and almost always ensured a private capsule for her and her guests. Today she was alone and in no hurry. So she opted to stand in line, and be a normal tourist. A small crowd got her attention near the start of the line.
William had been found. A gaggle of teenage girls, presumably American, had recognized him and he could not bear to lie to his fans. He stood patiently while they took picture after picture, hugged him, touched him and signed autographs. A few even kissed his cheeks before running away screaming. He was slightly tired but he loved his fans. He looked down at what he was signing and blushed slightly. It was a bra. He had no idea whose, or how it got off of the person to which it belonged but he quickly scribbled his name on to it. A hand grabbed it away. He took a chance and looked up at the crowd. He felt his heart drop. The small crowd had grown to at least 100. And he could see tourists coming out of line to join them. He would be here all night. His only hope was to call his security but taking out his phone in this bedlam might be disastrous.
“What is going on?” Elizabeth asked a lady near her as she approached the crowd.
“Don’t you know?” The lady smirked. “It’s William Moseley!! From Narnia! Oh my daughter loves him!” And she ran off towards the crowd. Elizabeth felt a pang of emotion. She had celebrity friends and known others from the charity. They had to be used to this stampede but she always felt sorry for them when it happened. And this one seemed close to getting out of control.
She stopped to think for a moment. Why did that name sound very familiar? Then it hit her. He had made a sizeable donation to her mother’s charity earlier that week and she was adding his name to the gala guest list. Well, that made him ever so slightly more in need of help in her eyes. She made up her mind quickly and set off determinedly into the crowd. Moving lightly she squeezed into the center where bodies were so thick she thought she would suffocate. She was behind a young man now; he was furiously signing anything that same his way. Firmly, she hooked her hand around his elbow and yanked as hard as she could. He fell back and for about 8 seconds, the fans seemed to not know what happened. This gave Elizabeth exactly 8 seconds to duck his head and run as fast as her legs could carry her to the Eye entrance. William was dazed but scared. He had no idea who this girl was and where they were going. She was running straight at the crowd and he grew terrified. She must be a nutcase. She was going to kidnap him. This was the end.
“Oi!” He wriggled his arm but her grip was amazingly firm. “Let me go you!” She whipped her head around so fast that a few of her hairs hit his face.
“Just stay quiet.” There was something in her green eyes that told him she wasn’t a fan. He relaxed his arm and she relaxed her grip on his elbow, but still held on. They had reached the entrance for the Eye. Without a word, Elizabeth held up a blue glossy card and the attendant let them through. They went quickly and hopped on a capsule alone, no other people were allowed on. “Are you alright William?” Elizabeth asked gently. She had put her bag down on the floor and appeared to be catching her breath. She had released his arm when they got on.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Thank you for getting me out of there…” He trailed off and looked at her expectantly. She looked at him blankly.
“Oh right! Sorry,” she extended a hand. “I’m Elizabeth Leslie, and I am very thankful for remembering my VIP pass.”
“Well Elizabeth, you are one lucky girl.” William smiled. The Eye was moving slowly and his breathing had returned to normal. “And thanks for rubbing your luck off on me. Though, I feel I might have gotten a bruise from it.” He rubbed his elbow, laughing.